Ski Safari in the Portes du Soleil

It’s an area without borders, and yet… in the Portes du Soleil, there are two countries, two cultures, two identities… But everywhere in the valleys, you’ll find the same philosophy, a complementarity, an art of living and common values shared by all French and Swiss mountain dwellers.

Louise

Welcome to the heart Portes du Soleil

12 resorts brought together in a single entity, a human adventure that began over half a century ago to give birth to one of the largest international ski areas in the world.

Wide open spaces between fir trees and alpine pastures, intoxicating landscapes, iconic peaks, unmissable secret addresses, varied itineraries that allow everyone to ski at their own pace… so many reasons to explore these snow-covered slopes, an exceptional playground between lakes and mountains, where aficionados of the discipline flourish every winter.

Our ski safari day, step by step in the heart of the Portes du Soleil

❄️09:00 - Top start

Departure from the Chavannes Express, right in the heart of Les Gets resort, heading for Ranfoilly/Rosta. First selfie of the day facing Mont Blanc on the Ranfoilly platform, one of the picture-postcard spots on our tour.

❄️9.45am - Direction Morzine

Part of our adventure continues along the route to Joux Plane, a legendary pass regularly used in summer by Tour de France cyclists. This takes us to the Chamossière sector, then on to Nyon, heading towards the resort of Morzine.

❄️11.15am - Head for Avoriaz

A ride on the little train and a few lifts later, we’re on the Crètes de Zore, with the Avoriaz resort and its distinctive architecture in our sights.
We’re just a stone’s throw from Switzerland and very close to the hamlet of Les Lindarets (in the commune of Montriond), famous for its goats in summer!

❄️12pm - Heading for Switzerland

Follow the signposts to the Mossettes express.
At the top, a lilting accent greets you as we cross the border. A little gourmet break is in order, in the colours of the local gastronomy. Try raclette or Valais dried meat, accompanied by a glass of fendant.
Note that the length of this break depends on your level of skiing and could turn into a picnic that’s just as enjoyable. It’s important to fine-tune your speed and keep an eye on your watch so as not to miss the return links.
Two bends later, the Dents du Midi, emblem of the Portes du Soleil, rise proudly in front of us from their 3,257 metre altitude. An inspiring majestic view that leaves you dreaming above the resorts of Champéry/Les Crosets and Champoussin.
We can already imagine coming back another time to catch a glimpse of the moufflons of ‘Grand Paradis’ and perhaps catch ourselves hurtling down the famous ‘Mur Suisse’. But for now, we’re heading for a highly symbolic place: the Col des Portes du Soleil, the birthplace of the ski area of the same name.

❄️1pm - Arrival in Morgins

Let’s continue the walk via Tovassière and its snow-covered forest path. It’s the perfect time to challenge your fellow skiers and make it a point of honour to arrive in pole position in Morgins!

❄️2pm - Welcome to Châtel

The other side takes us back to France, to the Super Châtel sector and its natural views over Lake Geneva and the Abondance valley, a land of art and history. A nod to the nearby Portes du Soleil resort in Switzerland, Torgon. We continue our route to Châtel on what promises to be a pleasant and technical trail, leading directly to the Linga and Plaine Dranse sectors.

❄️15:30 - Joining Super-Morzine

There’s still a little way to go to reach the Super Morzine pistes and get closer to the starting point, which is very close as the crow flies.

❄️4.45pm - last track

The day comes to an end and we’re sitting in the Pléney gondola. We’ll need a few more lengths of skis to make our way back to Les Gets and close the loop!

Practical info

This itinerary is aimed at advanced skiers. The opening and closing times of the ski lifts change as the days get longer.

To guide you on your way, don’t hesitate to download the Portes du Soleil app.

Use the interactive map to explore the Portes du Soleil ski area and find all the information you need for your day’s skiing at a glance! The app is free and available on IOS and Android.